EP1368216B1 - Bremssteuervorrichtung am lenkrad - Google Patents

Bremssteuervorrichtung am lenkrad Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1368216B1
EP1368216B1 EP02708046A EP02708046A EP1368216B1 EP 1368216 B1 EP1368216 B1 EP 1368216B1 EP 02708046 A EP02708046 A EP 02708046A EP 02708046 A EP02708046 A EP 02708046A EP 1368216 B1 EP1368216 B1 EP 1368216B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
braking
pressure plate
steering wheel
vehicle
actuation system
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP02708046A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1368216A1 (de
Inventor
Yvon Rancourt
Alain Constans
M'hamed El-Haouari
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Group Newtech International Inc
Original Assignee
Group Newtech International Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Group Newtech International Inc filed Critical Group Newtech International Inc
Publication of EP1368216A1 publication Critical patent/EP1368216A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1368216B1 publication Critical patent/EP1368216B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60T—VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL; ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES
    • B60T7/00—Brake-action initiating means
    • B60T7/02—Brake-action initiating means for personal initiation
    • B60T7/08—Brake-action initiating means for personal initiation hand actuated
    • B60T7/10—Disposition of hand control
    • B60T7/107—Disposition of hand control with electrical power assistance
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
    • Y10T74/20—Control lever and linkage systems
    • Y10T74/20576—Elements
    • Y10T74/20732—Handles
    • Y10T74/20834—Hand wheels

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an improved car braking system. More specifically, it is concerned with a steering wheel mounted braking control device.
  • Optimized braking in performance sports cars is a vital part of both road safety and racetrack success.
  • Response time of the driver can significantly affect the braking distance required to efficiently slow a fast moving vehicle. Fractions of seconds could potentially mean the difference between stopping in time and having an accident.
  • the traditional braking method used in most cars today is the foot activated pedal brake. While this is a reliable method, and is effective because of the strong force that can be exerted on the mechanical brake pedal by the driver, moving a foot over to the brake pedal and pushing down on the mechanical brake linkage requires significant time in the would of auto racing. The fractions of a second lost are costly in a sport where everything is scrutinized in order to save valuable time. With the present steering wheel-mounted brake activation system, less time would be lost between the driver's initial reaction and the application of the brakes.
  • U.S. Patent 5,666,857 issued September 16, 1997 to Sebazco discloses a motor vehicle steering and braking control system.
  • a mechanism fixed between the steering wheel and the brake pedal allows the brake pedal to be depressed when the operator exerts a downward force on the steering wheel.
  • U.S. Patent 4,078,628 issued March 14, 1978 to Reichenberger discloses an hand operated antomotive control system which is capable of operating both the throttle and braking systems through an electro-hydraulic servo system.
  • the device includes a control wheel, concentrically mounted within the conventional steering wheel, which is connected to a position sensor detecting the relative position of the plane of the second control wheel relative to the steering wheel.
  • the sensor output signal is amplified and sent to a torque motor which controls the position of a linear actuator. Movement of the linear actuator in one direction applies pressure to the brake system, and in the other increases the throttle setting. Therefore, movement of the control wheel away from the driver activates the vehicles brakes, and movement towards the driver activates the throttle.
  • U.S. Patent 5,603,674 issued February 18, 1997 to Rivas et al. and Canadian Patent 2,130,334 issued August 3, 1999 to Rivas both disclose a set of motor vehicle controls for assisting drivers handicapped in the lower limbs, comprising controls for the accelerator, brake and clutch, and a plurality of motors, each controlling a pedal assembly.
  • the control for the brake and accelerator are located on the steering wheel, comprising a freely rotating internal hoop bearing two concentric annular sensors for the brake and accelerator.
  • a second set of controls, independent of the steering wheel, is used for controlling the clutch and the brake.
  • This invention comprises a lever mechanism which purhes down on an accelerator pedal control member when rotated in one, direction, and pushes down on a brake pedal control member when rotated other direction.
  • U.S. Patent 5,129,492 issued July 14, 1992 to Lenz discloses a device similar to U.S. Patent 5,025,905 having additionally a flexible support loop passing around the vehicle steering column for receiving and supporting one of the control members.
  • U.S. Patent 5,335,743 issued August 9,1994 to Gillbrand et el. discloses a steering wheel comprising spokes and a control mounted on top of one of the spokes and being tiltable in four directions arranged in opposite pairs of directions in a plane parallel to the plane of the steering wheel.
  • the control comprises a tetrahedral button comprising four thumb grips corresponding to the four directions, an arm extending downward from the button into a cavity provided in an upper surface of said one of the spokes and comprising an upper and a lower arm portion, as well as a strain gauge mounted on the upper arm.
  • the vehicle is also equipped with a brake servo adapted to control operation of brakes.
  • a control unit actuates the brake servo so that a braking force is applied to the front and rear wheels of the vehicle.
  • Pressure is applied by a user in a direction parallel to the plane of the steering wheel to the thumb grips of the tetrahedral button.
  • the steering wheel does not comprise a pressure plate nor a localized force transmission member fixed to the pressure plate, which member transmits the force from the pressure plate to a deflectable member.
  • This device comprises a pulling lever rather than a pressure plate.
  • the strain gauge sensor is mounted to the lever plate and picks up the deformation of the lever plate itself.
  • this braking device does not comprise a localized force transmission member fixed to a pressure plate and adapted to transmit the force from the pressure plate to a deflectable member.
  • European Patent Application EP 1 078 831 A2 discloses a steering wheel comprising three spokes as well as yaw moment booster switches provided on the front sides of the horizontal spokes and being push-button type switches, allowing to apply brake pressure separately to left and right wheels.
  • the steering wheel does not comprise a pressure plate to which pressure plate an actuating force is applied, nor a localized force transmission member fixed to the pressure plate and adapted to transmit force from the pressure plate to the deflectable member.
  • a steering wheel mounted vehicle braking actuation system which is adapted for use with a braking controller capable of accepting electrical input signals and controlling brake activation accordingly, comprises a pressure plate mounted on the steering wheel of the vehicle, to which pressure plate an actuating force is applied by a user; an elastically deflectable member mounted within the steering wheel of the vehicle and adapted to be deflected by the actuating force ; an electrical strain gauge sensor fixed to the deflectable member and providing an electrical output signal in response to the actuating force applied, whereby the electrical output signal provides a direct input to the braking controller.
  • the braking actuation system further comprises a localized force transmission member fixed to the pressure plate and adapted to transmit the force from the pressure plate to the deflectable member.
  • a method of brake actuation for a vehicle comprises the steps of: exerting an actuating force on a pressure plate mounted on a steering wheel of the vehicle; transmitting the actuating force from the pressure plate to an elastically deflectable sensing member by means of a localized force transmission member; detecting a deflection of the elastically deflectable sensing member with a strain gauge sensor fixed thereto; providing an electrical output signal from the strain gauge sensor in proportional response to the deflection of the elastically deflectable sensing member; and transmitting the electrical output signal directly to a vehicle braking activation element.
  • a generally circular braking interface pressure plate 12 is shown mounted on a steering wheel.
  • the plate 12 defines a lower oval cut-out region 14, three radially located rectangular cut-outs 16 for spoke clearance spaced at 90° from each other, a circular centre hole 18 and three dowel pin boles 20 equally spaced 120° apart.
  • the braking interface pressure plate 12 can equally be modified to be of varions shapes, in order to accommodate the most effective and ergonomic design.
  • a central end ball 90 fits into the centre hole 18 and protrudes from the lower surface 13 of the pressure plate 12.
  • Dowel pins 22 retain the pressure plate 12, and permit slideable translation when the driver's fingers or hands depress the plate.
  • the dowel pius 22 descend down through the bolis 58 in the support ring 54 which is fixed to the spokes 32 of the spoke element 30.
  • the spoke element 30 is comprised of the three spokes 32 spaced at 90° from each other.
  • the T-shaped base plate 34 has a large circular centre hole 36 and three smaller circular threaded holes 38. All three spokes each have two support ring fastener holes 44.
  • the two laterally opposing spokes 32 also include two sensing beam fastener holes 44.
  • the remaining upwardly extending spoke includes a single dowel pin hole 40.
  • the central end ball 90 protruding from the lower surface 13 of the pressure plate 12 rests on the top surface 49 of the rectangular sensing beam 46, which itself is fixed by two beam fastener pins 50 onto the laterally opposing spokes 32.
  • the steering wheel rim 52 is fixed to the ends of the spokes 32.
  • the pressure plate support ring 54 is fixed to the underside of the spokes 32 by six spoke fastener pins 64 through the spoke fastener holes 60.
  • the support ring 54 has a chamfered inside surface 56 for mating with the undersides of the spokes 32. This permits the flat top surface 55 of the support ring 54 to remain parallel to the pressure plate 12. Therefore ensuring that the dowel pin holes 58 allow the pins 22 to be perpendicular to both the top surface 55 of the support ring 54 and the under surface 13 of the pressure plate 12.
  • a strain gange sensor 98 is fixed to the under surface 47 of the rectangular sensing beam 46. This sensor measures the strain in the sensing beam 46 created by the centralized force applied to it by the end ball 90 mounted to the pressure plate 12.
  • the entire assembled spoke element 30 to which the steering wheel rim 52, pressure plate support ring 54 and sensing beam 46 are also attached, is fixed to the vehicle steering shaft by a steering column mating flange 66 and a steering column adapter pivot 76.
  • the steering column mating flange 66 comprises four radial equally spaced cap screw holes 68, a top circular boss 70, a bottom circular boss 72 of larger diameter, and circumferential edge chamfers 74.
  • the T-shaped base plate 34 of the spoke element 30 meets with the steering column mating flange 66. They are radially aligned by the top circular boss 70 of the column mating flange 66 fitting into the large circular centre hole 36 in the T-shaped base plate 34 of the spoke elements 30.
  • the larger diameter bottom circular boss 72 of the steering column mating flange 66 protrudes into the centre axial hole 86 in the top radial flange 80 of the steering column adapter pivot 76, thereby radially aligning the entire brake control assembly 10.
  • the four cap screw holes 82 in the top radial flange 80 of the adapter pivot 76 can them be aligned with the four cap screw holes 68 of the mating flange 66, and the three threaded cap screw holes 38 of the T-shaped base plate 34 of the spoke element 30.
  • the cap screws 88 then provide the axial fixation of all the elements of the brake control assembly 10.
  • the smaller diameter centre axial through hole 84 of the cylindrical body 78 in the steering column adapter pivot 76, is intended for slideable mating with and fixation onto the end of the steering column shaft of the vehicle.
  • the entire invention therefore is a brake activation device, for an electronic braking system.
  • the driver applies force on the pressure plate 12
  • the transferred force concentrated at the centre through the and ball 90 and onto the deformable sensing beam 46 provides the mechanical input which the strain gauge sensor 98.
  • the amount of deformation Y of the sensing beam 46 is detected by the attached strain gange sensor 98, which transmits a corresponding electrical signal equivalent to the degree of strain in the sensing beam 46, to a separate braking controller which would manage the input signals and proportionally control the braking according.
  • the output of the stain gauge sensor 98 could also be amplified or reduced according to need and braking calibration required. Therefore, the force applied to the pressure plate 12 by the driver and picked up by the strain gauge sensor 98, would be electronically sent directly to the brakes. This eliminates the slower traditional mechanical braking system movements and slower physical movements required by the driver for applying a foot brake pedal, and therefore reduces reaction time and permits faster brake application.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Braking Elements And Transmission Devices (AREA)
  • Steering Controls (AREA)
  • Steering Control In Accordance With Driving Conditions (AREA)
  • Regulating Braking Force (AREA)

Claims (10)

  1. Ein an einem Lenkrad montiertes Fahrzeugbremsen-Betätigungssystem (10), angepasst zur Verwendung mit einer Bremsen-Steuereinheit, die dazu in der Lage ist, elektrische Eingangssignale zu empfangen und eine Bremsaktivierung entsprechend zu steuern, umfassend:
    ein elastisch ablenkbares bzw. biegbares Element (46), das innerhalb des Lenkrads des Fahrzeugs montiert und dazu angepasst ist, durch die Betätigungskraft abgelenkt bzw. gebogen zu werden; einen elektrischen Spannungsprüfsensor bzw. Spannungsmessstreifen (98), der an dem biegbaren Element (46) befestigt ist und der ein elektrisches Ausgangssignal bereitstellt in Antwort auf die aufgebrachte Betätigungskraft, wobei das elektrische Ausgangssignal einen direkten Eingang zu der Bremsen-Steuereinheit bereitstellt;
    gekennzeichnet durch ferner umfassen einer auf dem Lenkrad des Fahrzeugs montierten Druckplatte (12), so dass die Betätigungskraft darauf durch einen Benutzer aufbringbar ist, und ein an der Druckplatte (12) befestigtes Übertragungselement(90) für eine örtlich begrenzte Kraft, wobei das Übertragunselement dazu angepasst ist, die Kraft von der Druckplatte (12) auf das biegbare Element (46) zu übertragen.
  2. Das Bremsen-Betätigungssystem nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Druckplatte eine von Hand betätigte Druckplatte (12) ist, wie zu dem elastischen biegbaren Element (46) benachbart bzw. angrenzend ist.
  3. Das Bremsen-Betätigungssystem nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei das elektrische Ausgangssystem im wesentlichen proportional zu der aufgebrachten Betätigungskraft ist.
  4. Das Bremsen-Betätigungssystem nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei die Bremsen-Steuereinheit eigenständig ist und dazu angepasst ist, eine Fahrzeugbremskraft proportional zu dem elektrischen Ausgangssignal aufzubringen.
  5. Das Bremsen-Betätigungssystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die von Hand betätigte Druckplatte (12) betätigt werden kann, ohne das Lenkrad loszulassen.
  6. Das Bremsen-Betätigungssystem nach irgend einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 5, wobei die von Hand aktivierte Druckplatte (12) sich um einen Betrag versetzt, der im wesentlichen einem Betrag der Biegung des elastisch biegbaren Elements (46) entspricht.
  7. Das Bremsen-Betätigungssystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das von dem Spannungsprüfsensor (98) erzeugte, elektrische Ausgangssignal im Wesentlichen proportional zu einem Betrag der Biegung des elastisch biegbaren Elements (46) ist.
  8. Das Bremsen-Betätigungssystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das elastisch biegbare Element (46) ein an seinen Enden befestigter Stab ist.
  9. Das Bremsen-Betätigungssystem nach Anspruch 8, wobei das Übertragungselement (50) für die örtlich begrenzte Kraft im Wesentlichen auf der Mitte des Stabs (46) wirkt.
  10. Ein Verfahren zur Bremsbetätigung für ein Fahrzeug, umfassend die Schritte:
    Aufbringen einer Betätigungskraft auf eine auf einem Lenkrad des Fahrzeugs montierte Druckplatte (12); Übertragen der Bremskraft von der Druckplatte (12) auf ein elastisch biegbares Messelement (46) mittels eines Übertragungselements (90) für eine örtlich begrenzte Kraft;
    Feststellen einer Biegung des elastisch biegbaren Messelements (46) mit einem daran befestigten Spannungsprüfsensor bzw. Spannungsmessstreifen (98); Bereitstellen eines elektrischen Ausgangssignals von dem Spannungsprüfsensor (98) in proportionaler Antwort auf die Biegung des elastisch biegbaren Messelements (46); und
    Übertragen des elektrischen Ausgangssignals direkt auf ein Fahrzeugbremsbetätigungselement.
EP02708046A 2001-03-02 2002-03-04 Bremssteuervorrichtung am lenkrad Expired - Lifetime EP1368216B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002339740A CA2339740A1 (en) 2001-03-02 2001-03-02 Brake control device on steering wheel
CA2339740 2001-03-02
PCT/CA2002/000269 WO2002070310A1 (en) 2001-03-02 2002-03-04 Brake control device on steering wheel

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1368216A1 EP1368216A1 (de) 2003-12-10
EP1368216B1 true EP1368216B1 (de) 2005-12-07

Family

ID=4168525

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02708046A Expired - Lifetime EP1368216B1 (de) 2001-03-02 2002-03-04 Bremssteuervorrichtung am lenkrad

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US20040144195A1 (de)
EP (1) EP1368216B1 (de)
AT (1) ATE312008T1 (de)
CA (1) CA2339740A1 (de)
DE (1) DE60207828D1 (de)
WO (1) WO2002070310A1 (de)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4067179A4 (de) * 2019-11-27 2023-07-12 Zhang, Zhaoqi Lenkrad, das eine bremsfunktion aufweist, und steuergerät, das das lenkrad aufweist

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050274563A1 (en) * 2004-05-28 2005-12-15 Bruce Ahnafield Joystick-operated driving system
FR2909940A1 (fr) * 2006-12-19 2008-06-20 Bernard Albert Joseph Grojean Dispositif d'aide a la conduite pour handicape.
US9643606B2 (en) * 2015-04-14 2017-05-09 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Vehicle control in traffic conditions
JP7434731B2 (ja) * 2019-06-18 2024-02-21 マツダ株式会社 運転補助装置

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4078628A (en) * 1976-08-16 1978-03-14 The United States Of America As Represented By The Department Of Health, Education And Welfare Double-wheel automotive hand control system
SE9003318L (sv) * 1990-10-19 1991-11-11 Saab Automobile Reglage, arrangemang och foerfarande foer reglering av servoorgan foer motorfordons framfoerande
JP2001058564A (ja) * 1999-08-24 2001-03-06 Mazda Motor Corp 自動車の旋回姿勢制御装置
CA2299669A1 (fr) * 2000-03-06 2001-09-06 Corporation De Frein Newtech Inc. Commande sensitive des freins par le volant

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4067179A4 (de) * 2019-11-27 2023-07-12 Zhang, Zhaoqi Lenkrad, das eine bremsfunktion aufweist, und steuergerät, das das lenkrad aufweist

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20040144195A1 (en) 2004-07-29
EP1368216A1 (de) 2003-12-10
WO2002070310A1 (en) 2002-09-12
ATE312008T1 (de) 2005-12-15
CA2339740A1 (en) 2002-09-02
DE60207828D1 (de) 2006-01-12

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20060082090A1 (en) Steering wheel sensitivity brake control
EP0928726B1 (de) Fahrzeugbremspedalanordnung
US20050067889A1 (en) Brake-by-wire input device arrangment
KR101754310B1 (ko) 전기 자동차용, 또는 스로틀 기구를 구비한 자동차용 페달 장치
JPH06504014A (ja) 自動車を駆動するサーボ装置の作動−制御器、集成装置および方法
AU2018204926B2 (en) Vehicle Control System
EP1368216B1 (de) Bremssteuervorrichtung am lenkrad
ITRM970350A1 (it) Complesso di servizio per il comando di movimento longitudinale e trasversale di un autoveicolo
US7181991B2 (en) Automobile accelerator and brake pedal device
CA2478045A1 (en) Brake control device on steering wheel
US20100326759A1 (en) Hand control apparatus in a vehicle
US20060284481A1 (en) Brake pedal control apparatus
JP4946706B2 (ja) ペダル装置
JP5794720B2 (ja) アクセル／ブレーキペダル踏み間違いを起因とする自動車事故防止のための自動車運転システム及び同システムで用いられるアクセル装置及び同システムで用いられるブレーキ装置
JP7384135B2 (ja) 産業車両の自動ブレーキ装置および産業車両
US20040182193A1 (en) Pedal support with coupled functions
JP7138395B2 (ja) アクセル・ブレーキ兼用ペダル
US11353911B2 (en) Pedal assembly
EP2286312B1 (de) Steuersystem zum antreiben eines fahrzeugs und verfahren für ein solches system
EP1765648B1 (de) Pedalstutzkonsole mit integriertem schalter
KR101710375B1 (ko) 차량용 브레이크장치
KR200278971Y1 (ko) 차량용 전자식 가속페달
JPS6171255A (ja) 車両のブレ−キ装置
JPH09119463A (ja) 車両における制動装置
KR20190041559A (ko) 경운기용 주행 안전장치 및 그 제어방법

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20031002

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO SI

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20040105

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20051207

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20051207

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20051207

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20051207

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20051207

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20051207

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20051207

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60207828

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20060112

Kind code of ref document: P

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060306

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060307

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060307

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060307

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060307

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060308

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060318

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060331

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060508

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20060908

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20060307

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

EN Fr: translation not filed
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20070126

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20051207

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20051207

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20051207